Jewels of Europe: Amsterdam to Budapest

Pricing is based on departure date: 9 March 2027

Discover the Europe of your imagination on this classic journey across the continent during the cooler months. Each day brings new wonders, from ancient castles and ornate palaces to charming villages and delicious wineries.

A region steeped in the history of ancient trade routes, today the rivers of the Rhine, Main and Danube meander through forested hillsides, idyllic vineyards and romantic towns. Travelling during the off peak season means you’ll avoid the crowds and have some of Europe’s most famous sites all to yourself. Plus, you can enjoy hearty winter fare, warming wines and unique experiences. Wander the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, cruise through the magnificent Rhine Gorge, discover the WWII sites of Nuremberg and explore Budapest’s famed National Opera House. Scenic guests also enjoy exclusive concerts in iconic locations, sitting in the place of princes and kings.

The Scenic Difference

Every detail of your journey has been carefully considered to create a truly carefree experience and memories to last a lifetime.

With a musical prestige that dates back centuries, be dazzled by an elegant dinner and concert at the magnificent La Redoute recital hall in Bonn

• 5-Star Scenic Space-Ships with up to 163 guests
• Discover iconic Dutch windmills in the village of Schermerhorn
• Your choice of spacious Standard Suite, or a Balcony Suite with an innovative Scenic Sun Lounge
• Visit a small German village and meet Baron and Baroness von Mallinckrodt, the current owners of Gamburg Castle
• Over a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the Arsenal Military Museum, enjoy a private Viennese classical concert
• Admire the landscapes of Salzburg, made famous by The Sound of Music
• Explore the World Heritage-listed Ceský Krumlov
• Personalise your trip with up to 35 included Scenic Freechoice activities
• Tailor your journey with a variety of Scenic Freechoice experiences including Active, Your Way excursions, Moments, Masters & Music activities and Interactive Encounters
• Enjoy a choice of up to five on board dining experiences, from casual to fine dining
• 41 meals – 14 breakfasts (B), 13 lunches (L) and 14 dinners (D)
• Complimentary premium beverages all day, every day* – not just at meal times
• Complimentary full mini-bar restocked daily
• Innovative Salt Therapy Lounge and fitness area
• The freedom of our e-bikes to explore independently
• Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout your cruise
• Return airport transfers^
• All tipping and gratuities on board and onshore

Itinerary Map

Itinerary Highlights

Amsterdam
The capital and cultural centre of the Netherlands is dually considered a gracious, formal cultural centre and the most offbeat metropolis in the world. Some of the best art in the world, including that by Van Gogh, is showcased in over 40 fine museums. Its attractive canals and gabled houses are a popular subject for local burgeoning painters.

Cologne
Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and one of Germany's largest cities. The soaring twin steeples of Cologne's magnificent Gothic cathedral?which took more than 600 years to build?dominate the river skyline. The Germano- Roman Museum, located next to the cathedral, is a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with taverns, cafés, and shops. The favorite local beer here is Kölsch. (FB,L,D)

Rudesheim
A romantic wine village located along Germany's Rhein River.

Miltenberg
Miltenberg is a town in the Regierungsbezirk of Lower Franconia in Bavaria, Germany. It is the seat of the like-named district.

Wurzburg
Set on the vine-clad banks of the Main River and embellished with beautiful baroque masterpieces and delightful Franconian wineries, this lively university city of Wurzburg serves as a suitably picturesque starting point for Bavaria's Romantic Road.

Bamberg
Bamberg is a town in northern Bavaria, Germany. Its old town preserves structures from the 11th to 19th centuries including the muraled Altes Rathaus, which occupies an island in the Regnitz reached by arched bridges. The Romanesque Bamberg Cathedral, begun in the 11th century, features 4 towers and numerous stone carvings.

Nuremberg
With half a million people, Nuremberg is Bavaria's second largest city. While its history dates to the 11th century, Nuremberg is most often linked to the 20th century (specifically World War II). It first served as the site of many pre-war Nazi rallies, then was nearly leveled by Allied bombing, then was the site of the famous post-war Nuremberg Trials. The city has much to offer today's visitors, including the rebuilt Nuremberg Castle and the world-famous gingerbread at Hauptmarkt. Hansel and Gretel would have loved this place.

Regensburg
The city hails back to Roman times. See the mighty Porta Praetoria and the magnificent merchants' houses dating back to the Middle Ages. Visit Steinerne Brucke (Stone Bridge) which connects the main part of the ceith with the settlement on the Danube's other bank. Tour the Petersdom cathedral's sumptuous baroque interior and two Gothic towers. Try Bavarian cooking at the Alte Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen).

Salzburg
It's been 200 years or so since he lived here, but Mozart is still very much Salzburg's favorite son. Visit the composer's residence and birthplace, then explore the Altstadt (Old City), taking in the baroque architecture. If your musical tastes run more "Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens" than "Requiem in D Minor," catch one of the many Sound of Music tours and follow in the footsteps of the Von Trapps.

Melk
Melk is an Austrian town on the River Danube, west of Vienna. It's known for the 11th-century Melk Abbey, a vast monastery built high above the town. Gold statuary adorns its domed Abbey Church, and the huge library houses medieval manuscripts. The Marmorsaal is a baroque hall with a ceiling fresco and red marble walls. South of Melk, gardens surround Renaissance Schallaburg Castle, which hosts cultural exhibitions.

Vienna
Austria's capital has always attracted artistic genius. Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Kafka and Freud were either born or moved here. Strauss waltzes and apple strudel are what come to mind to most visitors, but its most striking features are its Schwarzenegger-sized Alps and monumental Baroque edifices.

Budapest
When overlooking Budapest from the Royal Palace wall or the Fisherman's Bastion of "Castle Hill," it's easy to see why Budapest is called " The Pearl of the Danube." Its grand buildings and beautiful bridges are architectural marvels, especially when the flood lights illuminate them at night. Hungary's capital has broad avenues, leafy parks and elaborate bathhouses and thermal spas. The River Danube serves as a good orientation landmark with Buda on the hilly left side and flat Pest on the right. The sights in Buda include "Castle Hill", Gellért-hegy and its prominent Liberty Statue, and the Citadella. Pest is the commercial center or downtown "Belváros" with highlights such as Vaci Street known for window shopping, fine restaurants and casual cafes.

Your Ship: Scenic Opal

Amsterdam, Cologne, Rudesheim, Miltenberg, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Salzburg, Melk, Vienna, Vienna, Budapest

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.